Rutherford, NJ— Dr. Marilú Marcillo, Dean of the School of Business and Information Sciences, was recognized as one of 42 distinguished businesswomen at this year’s Enterprising Women in Commerce breakfast reception, hosted by The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey and COMMERCE Magazine. As one of four honorees in higher education leadership, this recognition reflects Dr. Marcillo’s ongoing efforts to expand the School of Business’s research infrastructure, career-readiness opportunities, and technological capabilities to prepare students to succeed in their desired industry or business environment.

Over the past four years as an academic Dean, Dr. Marcillo has worked steadily toward her mission to transform the School of Business into a workforce-aligned academic unit that embraces the diversity, cultures, and professional backgrounds of both students and faculty. Some of her most notable accomplishments include launching four new degree programs, creating the first Women in Sports Leadership track (Spring 2027), expanding study abroad opportunities to Colombia and to existing courses in Ireland, and increasing our global partnerships with the United Nations and universities around the world.

Dr. Marcillo is also a proud figurehead in Felician’s partnership with Goya Foods. Having facilitated employee training sessions on navigating complex work environments and developed curriculum for numerous business courses, she hopes to inspire the next generation of business leaders not just to measure success through revenue, but to find fulfillment by inspiring others to invest in themselves.

Dr. Marcillo commented on her recognition, stating:

“To be recognized at the CIANJ Enterprising Women in Commerce Awards is a profound honor—one made infinitely more meaningful because the nomination came directly from our University President, Dr. Mildred Mihlon. Having a leader I deeply respect champion this vision for values-driven leadership touches my heart deeply. As a first-generation immigrant, first-generation college graduate, and English language learner who spent two decades in global corporate leadership before rising through the faculty ranks to Dean, this award represents every door opened through education. That lived experience shapes how I lead the School of Business & Information Sciences every day. 

My commitment is to build a legacy where innovation and social equity go hand in hand. We are actively setting the standard for workforce preparation—we are currently the only institution embedding a dedicated concentration in Data Analytics directly into our business degree, equipping our students with market-ready capabilities no one else is delivering right now. While we secure funding to expand our future Center for Business Innovation, Analytics, and AI, the real impact is already happening. Every single day, through our corporate partnerships, our students are tackling real-world consulting and experiential projects. Armed with a strong Franciscan foundation and practical experience, I want every student to know they don’t just belong in the modern workforce—they are built to lead it with purpose.”

Individuals such as Dr. Marcillo are what make Felician what it is today—an institution that ensures higher education remains transformative, innovative, and accessible for all who seek it.

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About Felician University 

Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,800 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across the schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Felician University was recognized in Newsweek’s America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026, earning distinction as the No. 1 college for women in New Jersey. Additionally, Felician has been named a best value school by payscale.com and Moneymagazine, and as one of the best college locations in NJ (#4) by niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and the Princeton Review. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the fifteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supportive environment and earned us a spot on Washington Monthly’s Top 100 HSI list (#30). With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, transformation, solidarity with people in need, justiceand peace are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is sponsored by Felician Sisters International. For more information, please visit https://felician.edu/